Mission Planning Systems (MPS) Development

Abstract

Mission planning involves the creation of a flight plan based on threats, targets, terrain, weather, aircraft performance capability and configuration. It is an essential task that must be completed prior to any fixed or rotary wing aircraft sortie. The planner must have the ability to plan weapon, cargo, passenger, and/or fuel delivery, calculate fuel requirement and assess the route based on known enemy threat location and type. Mission planners must be able to optimize and de-conflict flight routes with other aircraft; review, print and brief the plan; and download pertinent flight information to on-board aircraft avionics. This project provides for the continuous improvement of mission planning software capabilities that cut across all platforms and systems. It allows for the investigation of new technologies and products that have the potential for improving mission planning systems. This includes the continuous upgrading of the MPS framework. The framework is the underlying baseline for all mission planning systems. It will require continuous upgrades to: 1) reduce timelines for route planning; 2) transmit near real-time intelligence data to the platforms; 3) increase the accuracy of the mapping products; 4) provide a Windows-based, commercial off the shelf-based, user friendly product; and 5) retain compatibility with platform changes to avionics and operational flight programs. Development and modernization activities within this project are as follows: a. MPS Increment IV: Continues development activities to complete the initial migration of designated Increment IV platforms (from the Combat Air Forces (CAF) and Mobility Air Forces (MAF--includes Special Mission Air Combat Command (SMACC) aircraft) to the new MPS planning capability. This includes the F-22 Mission Planning Environment (MPE) which will support new capabilities for weapons integration, sensor updates, and avionics changes integrated on board the aircraft. Planned updates include transitioning selected platform to the Windows 7 operating system. Additionally, the development effort will also address new and emerging Operational Flight Program (OFP)-generated requirements as identified by the operational users. Maintenance and common component updates will be completed as required. b. MPS Modernization: Continues the modernization of overarching technologies (including the framework) to support development of Mission Planning Environments (MPEs) for various CAF and MAF platforms. Development funding for these modernization efforts will move to project 675380 in FY14. c. CAF MPE Modernization: This effort will modernize CAF MPEs originally developed and delivered under MPS Increments II & IV. The modernization effort will provide new and improved mission planning capability for individual OFP requirements, such as new weapons, avionics upgrades, communications systems, etc. The OFPs requiring MPE updates under the CAF Modernization effort include but are not limited to those for A-10 (Suites 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), B-1B (Sustainment Blocks (SB) 15, 16, 16a, 17 and 18), and F-15 (Suites 7, 8, 9, and 10). CAF modernization also includes updates to mission planning capabilities supporting associated weapons, including Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) and the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). Finally, CAF modernization will address required improvements to CAF related MPE Common Components (CCs), including Precision-Guided Munitions Planning System (PGMPS), Electronic Warfare CC (EWCC), etc. Development funding for these modernization efforts will move to project 675380 in FY14. d. MAF MPE Modernization: This effort modifies the common MAF MPE developed and deployed during previous mission planning increments. The modernization activities will provide new and improved mission planning capabilities for the MAF fleet as required to meet evolving OFPs, fuel efficiency, and Global Planning netcentric requirements such as avionics upgrades, communication systems, interfaces with command and control systems, new chute data, etc. for various MAF platforms. The MPE updates under the MAF Modernization effort include but are not limited to those for Air Mobility Command--C-5, C-17, C-27, C-130s (multiple variants), KC-10, KC-46, and KC-135 and Special Mission Air Combat Command--E-3, E-8, E-4, HH-60, and RC-135. MAF modernization will also address required improvements to and integration of MAF related MPE CCs, including the Communications, Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) CC, Consolidated Airdrop Tool (CAT), Aeronautical Advisory and Notices to Airmen Tool (AANT), and Air Refueling Tool (ART) CC, etc. Development funding for these modernization efforts will move to project 675380 in FY14. e. Test, Training and Certification: Continues all MPS-related integration, test, and certification activities for CAF and MAF platforms. Funding for these support efforts will be programmed with their associated project/program in FY14 and the outyears. f. Operational and Technical Support: Continues all program office management operations and support activities to ensure the timely delivery of mission planning systems to the warfighter. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development, budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production, and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2014
• Source ID: 673858_0208006F_7_3600_PB_2014

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Microelectronics